Three identical magnets P, Q and R are released simultaneously from rest and fall to the ground from the same height. P falls directly to the ground. Q falls through the centre of a thick horizontal conducting ring. R falls through a similar ring that has a gap cut into it. In which order do the magnets reach the ground?

Photo AI

Three identical magnets P, Q and R are released simultaneously from rest and fall to the ground from the same height - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 27 - 2019 - Paper 2

Question 27

Three-identical-magnets-P,-Q-and-R-are-released-simultaneously-from-rest-and-fall-to-the-ground-from-the-same-height-AQA-A-Level Physics-Question 27-2019-Paper 2.png

Three identical magnets P, Q and R are released simultaneously from rest and fall to the ground from the same height. P falls directly to the ground. Q falls throug... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Three identical magnets P, Q and R are released simultaneously from rest and fall to the ground from the same height - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 27 - 2019 - Paper 2

Step 1

Part A: Comparing the Falling Magnets

96%

114 rated

Answer

Magnet P falls directly to the ground without any obstruction, meaning it will descend the fastest. Magnet Q passes through a thick conducting ring, which could induce eddy currents, generating opposing magnetic forces that slow its fall. Magnet R, which falls through a ring with a gap, experiences the least disruption compared to Q. However, it is still expected to fall slower than P but faster than Q.

Step 2

Part B: Conclusion on the Order

99%

104 rated

Answer

Therefore, the order in which the magnets reach the ground is: P first, followed by R, and last Q. Hence, the answer is D: 'P arrives first, followed by R which is followed by Q.'

Join the A-Level students using SimpleStudy...

97% of Students

Report Improved Results

98% of Students

Recommend to friends

100,000+

Students Supported

1 Million+

Questions answered

;